This Tuscan kale and white bean soup recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. The secret? Using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to create a comforting and nourishing soup that's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of simmering time, you'll have a delicious, rustic soup that's sure to warm you from the inside out.
The story of this Tuscan kale and white bean soup begins centuries ago in the heart of Tuscany, a region of Italy renowned for its rolling hills, vineyards, and delectable cuisine. In the kitchens of farmhouses and trattorias, humble ingredients were transformed into hearty and flavorful dishes that sustained the local communities. Among these dishes was a simple soup made with cannellini beans, kale, and whatever vegetables were in season. Over time, this soup became a beloved staple, passed down through generations, and eventually finding its way to tables far beyond Tuscany.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 bunch kale, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the vegetable broth, beans, kale, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the kale is tender.
Serve warm.
Why It Works
The combination of cannellini beans and kale provides a perfect balance of protein and fiber, making this soup a satisfying and nutritious meal.
The use of pantry staples like canned beans and vegetable broth makes this recipe incredibly convenient and accessible, allowing you to whip up a delicious soup with minimal effort.
Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth that's both comforting and complex.
The addition of fresh kale adds a vibrant green color and a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the beans and the savory broth.